Every person with vision loss should be able to live with independence and dignity. This single goal guides the activities of the Center for the Visually Impaired to create programming and services to support people who are visually impaired or blind in Metro Atlanta.
“We assist Georgians of all levels of vision loss through a variety of programs and services across their lifespan,” said Fontaine Huey, president of CVI.
The 50-year-old organization provides varied tools from training to help develop skills and learn how to do everyday tasks in a different way to having peer-to-peer learning. CVI supports infants to Pre-K, elementary to high school students, adults and senior citizens.
Some of CVI’s programs include vocational rehabilitation for working adults that provides job readiness programs where client’s will get assistance with writing resumes, improving interview skills, disclosure of their disability and workplace accommodations. The social, therapeutic, academic, recreational services program provides school-aged youth with the skills and self-confidence to live with vision loss, while the BEGIN program is for children under the age of 5. A community-based program also provides some rehabilitation training directly in the home.
Additionally, it provides training classes on topics such as Braille, white cane travel, diabetes education, computer assistive technology, cooking and meal preparation, completing household chores, health and fitness, financial management, self-defense and emergency preparedness.
CVI’s mission is upheld by volunteers and there are many ways people can be involved. People can join the board of trustees; volunteer in the office and work with the entire CVI team; or help with the various programs. Particularly, individuals can volunteer for BEGIN, or with the after-school program for elementary school students. For middle and high school students, CVI is always seeking volunteers for summer camp, mentoring, Saturday Academy and weekend recreational events.
The Friendly Visitor program also matches adults with volunteers who visit CVI’s client at a set time per month, and help them with tasks such as reading mail, paying bills, and go shopping.
“We want our clients to understand what is available across the community for them so they can be successful in their everyday life,” added Huey. “It is so satisfying to be able to empower people to live their life to the fullest.”
In other news: The ninth annual Spring Benefit for Advocates for Children raised more than $120,000 to help prevent and treat child abuse in all its forms. Advocates works to create a world where all children are respected and loved, happy and thriving. "A strong base of support allows our team to respond readily to those who need our help in Bartow County and surrounding North Georgia areas," said organizers.
Information: www.cviga.org
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